MONITORING OF HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA USING PHEROMONE TRAPS AND RELATIONSHIP OF MOTH ACTIVITY WITH LARVAL INFESTATION ON TOBACCO

Abstract

The polyphagous larvae of Helicoverpa armigera cause damage to reproductive and vegetative tissues of many crops and weeds. According to pheromone catches, in the region of Prilep, usual flight pattern of H. armigera on tobacco is during July - September. A total of 187 adults were caught in 2019/20. When male moths have reached their peak catch in pheromone traps, during next week subsequent egg- laying and larval infestation is observed in the tobacco field. Monitoring the occurrence of moths and early larval detection is necessary for optimal timing of pesticide treatments. Different active ingredients were effective for pest control: Metaflumizone 240 g/L- 1 L/ha; Emamectin 9.5 g/kg- 1.5 kg/ha; Chlorpyrifos 500 g/L + Cypermethrin 50 g/L- 1.5 L/ha. H. armigera is a pest of major importance in areas in which are produced certified tobacco seed and it is important to lay emphasis on an integrated approach to combat this pest.